Portable cosmetic organizer

ABSTRACT

A portable cosmetic organizer includes a case comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side; a first storage compartment inside of the case; a first flap forming a first portion of the top side of the case; and a second flap forming a second portion of the top side of the case. The first flap has a first interior surface and a first exterior surface. The second flap has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. The first interior surface defines a first securement surface and the second interior surface defines a second securement surface. The flaps transitions from a closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to an opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted. The first and second securement surfaces permit removable attachment of items thereon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application relies for priority on and claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/889,321, filed on Aug.20, 2019, and on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.63/025,321, filed on May 15, 2020, the entire contents of both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to cosmetic organizers. Moreparticularly, the present invention concerns a portable cosmeticorganizer that may be employed by a professional make-up artist orsimilar practitioner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The prior art describes a number of cosmetic organizers. Cosmeticorganizers known in the art, however, suffer from a number ofdeficiencies.

In particular, many of the cosmetic organizers that are known to thoseskilled in the art are constructed for use in a fixed location, such asa dressing room and/or a professional cosmetic studio. Accordingly,these organizers typically are bulky and are not easily transported fromone location to another.

Separately, some cosmetic organizers are marketed to individualspermitting such individuals to transport personal cosmetic items. Theseexamples typically take the form of small suitcases, similar to thosethat are commonly stowed in the overhead bin in a commercial aircraft.

Still further, some cosmetic organizers have been marketed toprofessional make-up artists. These organizers typically also take theform of a small suitcase that may be stowed in the overhead bin of anaircraft. While these organizers permit cosmetics to be organizedtherein, they do not provide a way for cosmetics to be arranged in amanner whereby the cosmetics are easily accessible during a sessionwhere the cosmetics are applied to a customer and/or client.

A desire has arisen, therefore, for a portable cosmetic organizer thatprovides organizing pockets, containers, and surfaces so that apractitioner may access suitable cosmetics while working with acustomer, client, and/or subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides for a portablecosmetic organizer that includes a case comprising a first side, asecond side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side;a first storage compartment inside of the case; a first flap forming afirst portion of the top side of the case; and a second flap forming asecond portion of the top side of the case. The first flap has a firstinterior surface and a first exterior surface. The second flap has asecond interior surface and a second exterior surface. The firstinterior surface defines a first securement surface, and the secondinterior surface defines a second securement surface. The first flaptransitions from a first closed position where access to the firststorage compartment is proscribed to a first opened position whereaccess to the first storage compartment is permitted. The second flaptransitions from a second closed position where access to the firststorage compartment is proscribed to a second opened position whereaccess to the first storage compartment is permitted. The firstsecurement surface and the second securement surface permit removableattachment of items thereon

In one contemplated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer alsoincludes a second storage compartment positioned within the case, belowthe first storage compartment. The second storage compartment isaccessible via an opening in at least one of the first side, the secondside, the third side, and the fourth side.

It is also contemplated that the first securement surface and the secondsecurement surface incorporate a magnetically attractive material.

Alternatively, the first securement surface and the second securementsurface may include a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.

Still further, the portable cosmetic organizer may be constructed sothat the first side includes a third securement surface, the second sideincludes a fourth securement surface, the third side comprises a fifthsecurement surface, and/or the fourth side includes a sixth securementsurface.

In another contemplated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer hasat least one shelf attachable to at least one of the third securementsurface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface,and the sixth securement surface.

Still further, a brush holder may be attachable to at least one of thethird securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifthsecurement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

In another embodiment, a box may be attachable to at least one of thethird securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifthsecurement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

The portable organizer also may include a mesh bag attachable to atleast one of the third securement surface, the fourth securementsurface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

For transportation, the portable organizer may incorporate a shoulderstrap attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, thefourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixthsecurement surface.

It is also contemplated that the portable organizer may have a handleattachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourthsecurement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixthsecurement surface.

A lid may be placeable into a top opening of the case when the firstflap is in the first opened position and the second flap is in thesecond opened position. Here, the lid may have at least one opening toaccommodate, for example, a cup therein.

It is contemplated that the lid will include a seventh securementsurface.

Still further, the portable organizer also is contemplated to include astand.

Alternatively, the portable cosmetic organizer may have retractablelegs.

Still further, the present invention provides for a portable cosmeticorganizer with a case having a first side, a second side, a third side,a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side. A first storagecompartment is provided inside of the case. A bag is provided into whichthe case is disposable. A first flap is disposed on the bag. The firstflap forms a first portion of the top side of the case when the case isdisposed in the bag. A second flap is disposed on the bag. The secondflap forms a second portion of the top side of the case when the case isdisposed in the bag. The first flap transitions from a first closedposition where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed toa first opened position where access to the first storage compartment ispermitted. The second flap transitions from a second closed positionwhere access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a secondopened position where access to the first storage compartment ispermitted.

For this contemplated embodiment, a lid may be provided. The lid iscontemplated to be an insert placeable into a top opening of the casewhen the first flap is in the first opened position and the second flapis in the second opened position.

In this embodiment, the lid may include at least one opening.

The present invention also provides for a portable cosmetic organizerthat includes a bag defining a first bag compartment and a second bagcompartment separated from one another by a divider. The first bagcompartment is at a top of the bag and the second bag compartment is atthe bottom of the bag. The cosmetic organizer also includes first andsecond flaps at the top of the bag, permitting access to the first bagcompartment when the first and second flaps are in an opened position,and third and fourth flaps at the bottom of the bag, permitting accessto the second bag compartment when the third and fourth flaps are in anopened position. Still further, the cosmetic organizer includes a casecomprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, atop side, and a bottom side, a first storage compartment inside of thecase, a first shelf slidably disposed in the first storage compartment,where the first shelf slides through the first side of the case toextend outwardly from the first side, exteriorly to the case, and afirst securement surface provided on the first shelf, permittingremovable attachment of items thereon.

With respect to this embodiment, it is contemplated that the portableorganizer also may have a lid placeable into a top opening on the topside of the case.

It is contemplated that the portable cosmetic organizer might beconstructed so that the first securement surface comprises amagnetically attractive material or a first half of a hook and loopfastener material.

Still further, the portable cosmetic organizer may include a pluralityof shelves slidably disposed in the first storage compartment, where theplurality of shelves slides through the sides of the case to extendoutwardly from the sides, exteriorly to the case.

And, with respect to this embodiment, the portable organizer also mightinclude a stand.

Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of thepresent invention will be apparent from the detailed description anddrawings included below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, graphical illustration of a first embodiment ofa portable cosmetic organizer according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of repositionable shelves inone configuration;

FIG. 5 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of repositionable shelves inanother configuration;

FIG. 6 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 2, showing the location of a repositionable shelf inone further contemplated configuration;

FIG. 7 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of a lid disposed therein;

FIG. 8 is a graphical top view of the configuration of the portablecosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1, showing accessories that may be removablyattached thereto;

FIG. 10 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1, showing storage locations for one or more of theaccessories therefor;

FIG. 11 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1, showing the addition of a shoulder strap;

FIG. 12 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1, showing the addition of a carrying handle;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view providing a graphical illustration of onecontemplated embodiment of a stand to support the portable cosmeticorganizer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a graphical perspective illustration of another contemplatedembodiment of a stand to support the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a graphical end view of a second contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing thecontents thereof;

FIG. 16 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing therectangular case partially removed from its carrier bag;

FIG. 17 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing therectangular case partially removed from the bag and also showing therelocation of selected shelves to the exterior of the case;

FIG. 18 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing therectangular case completely removed from the bag and also showing theplacement of a lid thereon;

FIG. 19 is a graphical end view of a third contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing thecontents thereof;

FIG. 20 is a graphical end view of the third contemplated embodiment ofthe portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 19, showing therectangular case partially removed from its carrier bag;

FIG. 21 is a graphical end view of the rectangular case illustrated inFIG. 19, shown completely removed from the bag with two of the shelvesextended therefrom;

FIG. 22 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the rectangular caseshown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a graphical, perspective illustration of a fourth embodimentof the portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing avariation of the rectangular case shown in FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a graphical, top view of the rectangular case illustrated inFIG. 23, showing additional features consistent with the embodimentsdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments are described in connection with the presentinvention. The embodiments are intended to illustrate the breadth andscope of the present invention rather than to limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, graphical illustration of one contemplatedembodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 according to thepresent invention.

In this embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is illustrated asa rectangular polygon. While a regular polygon is contemplated as oneshape for the portable cosmetic organizer 10, the portable cosmeticorganizer 10 may have any other shape as required or as desired. Forexample, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 may have a shape that istriangular, circular, oval, elliptical, square, triangular, etc.,without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable cosmetic organizer10 is shaped as a polygon. In particular, the portable cosmeticorganizer 10 is formed as a rectangular case 12. As such, the portablecosmetic organizer 10 has a first side 14, a second side 16, a thirdside 18, a fourth side 20, a top side 22, and a bottom side 24.

As clarified by the discussion of the present invention in theparagraphs that follow, the first side 14, the second side 16, the thirdside 18, the fourth side 20, the top side 22, and the bottom side 24 arecontemplated to be made from one or more rigid materials so that thecase 12 maintains its general shape for suitable portability of theportable cosmetic organizer 10. As such, it is contemplated that thesides 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be made from any suitable materialincluding, but not limited to, woven materials, such as canvas and/ornylon, and nonwoven materials, such as metals, plastics and/orcomposites. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the sides14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be made from flexible, semi-rigid, and/orrigid materials without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the top side 22 is formed by afirst flap 26 and a second flap 28. The first flap 26 is contemplated tobe hingedly affixed to the first side 14. Similarly, the second flap 28is contemplated to be hingedly attached to the third side 18. A hingedattachment does not require a separate hinge, as should be apparent tothose skilled in the art. The first flap 26 and the second flap 28 maybe connected via a flexible membrane, for example, that connects to thefirst side 14 and the third side 18. While one selected arrangement isillustrated, it is noted that the first flap 26 and the second flap 28alternatively may be affixed to the second side 16 and the fourth side20.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the first flap 26 and the secondflap 28 are illustrated as defining equal portions of the top side 22.In other words, the first flap 26 forms a first portion constituting 50%of the top side 22 and the second flap 28 forms a second portionconstituting the remaining 50% of the top side 22. It is noted that thisarrangement is not required to practice the present invention. To thecontrary, the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 may comprise unequalportions of the top side 22 without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, it is contemplated that the first flap26 and the second flap 28 may be sized to define a ration between eachother where the ratio between the flaps 26, 28 is 60:40, 70:30, or thelike.

As highlighted in FIG. 2, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes atleast one storage compartment therein. In the illustrated embodiment,the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a first storage compartment30 and a second storage compartment 32 therein. The first storagecompartment 30 is accessible through the top 34 of the case 12 when theflaps 26, 28 are opened in the directions of the first arrow 36 and thesecond arrow 38. This is the opened position of the flaps 26, 28.

The second storage compartment 32 is contemplated to include a drawer 40that slides therein. The drawer 40 slides within the second storagecompartment 32 in the direction of the arrows 42. The drawer 40 isaccessible through a first opening 44 and a second opening 46.Separately, the second compartment 32 may be accessible by doors and maynot include a drawer 40, as should be apparent to those skilled in theart. Still further, multiple drawers 40 may be provided in the secondstorage compartment 32 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the first storage compartment 30 has abottom 48 and four sides 50. Similarly, the drawer 40 has a bottom 52and four sides 54. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art,these configurations are merely exemplary. Other constructions may besubstituted therefor without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first flap 26 has a first interiorsurface 56 and a first exterior surface 58. Similarly, the second flap28 has a second interior surface 60 and a second exterior surface 62.The first interior surface 56 defines a first securement surface 64.Similarly, the second interior surface 60 defines a second securementsurface 66.

The first and second securement surfaces 64, 66 are incorporated into oradded to the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 so that one or moreitems may be attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, a firstbrush holder 68 is affixed to the first securement surface 64, and asecond brush holder 70 is affixed to the second securement surface 66.In the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the first andsecond securement surfaces 64, 66 are made from a magneticallyattractive material and that the first brush holder 68 and the secondbrush holder 70 are connected thereto via first and second magnets 72,74, respectively. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners may be used.Still further, a releasable adhesive, snaps, and/or hooks may beemployed to attach the first and second brush holders 68, 70 to thefirst and second securement surfaces 64, 66. Still other attachments maybe used without departing from the scope of the present invention, asshould be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As noted above, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is contemplated toinclude the second storage compartment 32 beneath the first storagecompartment 30. While this is one contemplated embodiment, the portablecosmetic organizer 10 should not be understood to be limited solely tothis embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, and as noted above, the second storagecompartment 32 is accessible via an opening 44, 46 in at least one ofthe first side 14 and/or the third side 16 of the portable cosmeticorganizer 10. Alternatively, the second storage compartment 32 may beaccessible via openings in the second side 16 and/or the fourth side 20.

FIG. 3 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10.For context, two cosmetic brushes 76 are disposed in the second brushholder 70. In addition, arrows 78 are added adjacent to the first brushholder 68 to illustrate that the brush holders 68, 70 may be positionedat any location on the first flap 26 and/or the second flap 28.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 illustratedin FIG. 1. Here, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is shown with afirst shelf 80 attached to the first side 14 and a second shelf 82attached to the third side 18. So that the first shelf 80 may beremovably attached to the first side 14, the first side 14 of theportable cosmetic organizer 10 is contemplated to define a firstsecurement surface. Similarly, the second side 16, the third side 18,and the fourth side 20 also are contemplated to comprise second, third,and fourth securement surfaces so that shelves 80, 82 and otheraccessories (as discussed more fully hereinbelow) may be attachedhereto. As discussed above, the securement surfaces are contemplated tobe made from magnetically attractive materials or include half of a hookand loop fastener. Furthermore, as discussed above, the securementsurfaces may be made from any other suitable material as should beapparent to those skilled in the art.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the first shelf 80 connects to thefirst side 14 via the magnet 84. Similarly, the second shelf 82 connectsto the third side 18 via the magnet 86. The shelves 80, 82 arecontemplated to incorporate securement surfaces of the type discussedherein. As a result, it is possible to removably secure one or moreitems to the shelves 80, 82 for rapid access during a make-upapplication session.

FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.Here, the shelves 80, 82 are positioned similarly to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 4. As before, the shelves 80, 82 are connected viamagnets 84, 86. And, as before, any alternative attachment may beemployed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Inthis view, the first brush holder 68 is positioned on the first shelf 80and the second brush holder 70 is positioned on the second shelf 82.

FIG. 6 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. Inthis view, a shelf 88 is removably attached to the second side 16 via amagnet 90. As indicated above, a shelf also may be attached to thefourth side 20, as required and/or desired. The shelf 88 is contemplatedto incorporate a securement surface so that one or more items may beremovably secured thereto and/or thereon. For example, the first brushholder 68 may be affixed to the securement surface atop the shelf 88without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graphical, front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10,showing an additional contemplated feature of the present invention. Inparticular, in this view, a lid 92 is inserted into the top 34 of thecase 12 when the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 are in the openedposition. The lid 92 is contemplated to include at least one opening 94to accommodate a cup 96 therein. In addition, the lid 92 is contemplatedto incorporate a securement surface 98, the details of which arediscussed elsewhere herein. As illustrated, the securement surface 98 iscontemplated to comprise a magnetically attractive material. However,other fasteners and/or securement materials may be employed.

It is noted that the configuration of the lid 92 is not intended to belimiting of the present invention. For example, the lid 92 may be ashape other than a planar shape. For example, the lid 92 may be concaveso that any items placed thereon, but not secured thereto, may roll to asuitable location thereon, thereby avoiding falling to the floor. Inaddition, the lid 92 may include any number of openings 94, as requiredor desired.

In FIG. 7, the cup 96 is shown with a cosmetic brush 76 disposedtherein. Naturally, this is merely exemplary of one use of the cup 96.And, so as not to be limiting of the present invention, the cup 96 ismeant to be exemplary as well. The cup 96 may be replaced by anysuitable device for holding items therein. For example, the cup 96 couldbe replaced with a mesh bag or other suitable alternative.

In addition, a first cosmetic 100 and a second cosmetic 102 are securedto the securement surface 98 via magnets 104, 106. Here, it iscontemplated that the magnets 104, 106 may be attached to the cosmetics100, 102 via a suitable adhesive or other alternative. The cosmetics100, 102 may be moved to any position on the securement surface 98 dueto the use of the magnets 104, 106.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, it is contemplated that the lid 92may be configured to incorporate slidable shelves that slide out fromthe sides to provide additional surface area for attaching items andholders thereto. Here, it is contemplated that the lid 92 will besufficiently thick to accommodate slidable shelves therein. Thisembodiment may be suitable to provide additional surface area extendingperpendicularly to the direction of the first and second flaps 26, 28.In other words, the slidable shelves could be disposed within the lid 92so that the slidable shelves extend outwardly from the second side 16and from the fourth side 20. In yet another contemplated embodiment, theslidable shelves may extend outwardly from the first side 14 and/or thethird side 18, as required or desired. The slidable shelves arecontemplated to incorporate magnetically attractive materials, asdiscussed herein.

FIG. 8 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizerillustrated in FIG. 7. As clarified here, the cosmetic 100 may be alipstick for example and the cosmetic 102 may be a compact for powder oreye shadow.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 showingadditional features and aspects of the present invention. In thisillustration, the first and second flaps 26, 28 are shown in the closedposition. In this view, a brush holder 108 is affixed by a magnet 110 tothe third side 18. In addition, a mesh bag 112 is attached to the fourthside 20 by a magnet 114. Still further, a storage box 116 is affixed tothe first side 14 by a magnet 118. The brush holder 108, the mesh bag112, and the storage box 116 are merely exemplary of a wide variety oforganizational accessories that may be removably attached to the varioussurfaces of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. As such, these examplesof organizational accessories should not be understood to limit thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graphical, front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10according to the present invention. Illustratively, various accessoriesare shown in storage within the first storage compartment 30 and thesecond storage compartment 32.

FIG. 11 is a graphical, top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10.Here the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a shoulder strap 120.Without limiting the present invention, the shoulder strap 120 connectsto the second side 16 of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 adjacent tothe first side 14 and the third side 18 thereof.

FIG. 12 is a graphical, top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10.Here the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a handle 122 attachedto the second side 16 thereof. As should be apparent to those skilled inthe art, the handle 122 may be attached to any side of the portablecosmetic organizer 10 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the portablecosmetic organizer 10 attached to a stand 124. The stand 124 iscontemplated to be removably attachable to the bottom side 22 of theportable cosmetic organizer. The stand 124 includes a vertical support126 that is attached to a base 128 having a plurality of wheels 130attached thereto. As should be apparent, the illustrated stand 124 ismerely exemplary of many constructions for a stand 124 that may beemployed for the present invention. Variations of the stand 124, with orwithout wheels also are contemplated to fall within the scope of thepresent invention. In one contemplated variation, the stand 124 may becollapsed and stored in the case 12. In one non-limiting example, thestand 124 may be stored in the second storage compartment 32.

FIG. 14 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the portablecosmetic organizer 10 with four legs 132 attached thereto. The legs 132are contemplated to be telescoping legs as indicated by the arrows 134.The legs 132 are capable of compacting into the corners of the portablecosmetic organizer 10 to facilitate transportation thereof.

FIG. 15 is a graphical, end view of a second embodiment of a cosmeticorganizer 136 according to the present invention. This embodiment iscontemplated to share many of the same features as the cosmeticorganizer 10 discussed above.

The cosmetic organizer 136 is similar to the cosmetic organizer 10 inthat the cosmetic organizer 136 includes a rectangular case 138 withsides 140, 142 and a bottom 144. The case 138 defines a storagecompartment 180 therein. The top 146 is open, as illustrated in FIG. 15.A user may access the contents of the storage compartment 180 throughthe top 146 of the case 138.

The rectangular case 138 is contemplated to be constructed from a rigidmaterial, preferably a material that is magnetically attractive.Alternatively, any suitable material may be employed without departingfrom the present invention.

The rectangular case 138 is insertable into a bag 148 that has sides150, 152 and a bottom 154. The bag 148 also includes flaps 156, 158 thatmay connect over the top 146 of the rectangular case 138 via a zipper160 or other suitable closure. The bag 148 is contemplated to beconstructed from a flexible material, such as canvas, nylon, and thelike. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, and asdiscussed above, alternative materials may be employed to construct thebag 148 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Anyflexible, semi-rigid, and or rigid materials may be used to constructthe bag 148 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 15, the flaps 156, 158 are illustrated in an opened conditionthat permits a user to access the contents of the rectangular case 138.In this view, the flaps 156, 158 are secured to the bag 148 viafasteners 162, 164, such as hook and loop fasteners. Alternativefasteners 162, 164 may be employed without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

The interior of the rectangular case 138 is shown with several shelves166. The shelves 166 are provided with magnets 168 on at least one end.Cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 are secured to the shelvesas discussed above.

FIG. 16 is a graphical, end view of the cosmetic organizer 136illustrated in FIG. 15. Here, the rectangular case 138 has beenpartially removed from the bag 148, as shown via the arrows 170.

FIG. 17 is a graphical, end view of the rectangular case 138 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16. It is contemplated that, after the rectangular case 138is removed from the bag 148, the shelves 166 will be moved from theinterior of the rectangular case 138 and affixed to the exteriorsurfaces of the sides 140, 142, as indicated by the arrows 172, 174.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the rectangular case 138 may beclosed, via a lid 176 that is disposable on the rectangular case 138 viathe arrow 178. It is contemplated that the lid 176 will be affixed tothe rectangular case 138 magnetically, but other attachments may beemployed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Asalso shown in FIG. 18, the rectangular case 138 has been removed fromthe bag 148 in its entirety.

As should be apparent from FIGS. 15-18, it is contemplated that theshelves 166 may have various items, such as the cosmetics 100, 102 andbrush holders 68, 70, arranged thereon in advance of a cosmetic session.After arriving at the cosmetic session, the shelves 166 may be removedfrom the rectangular case 138 and attached to the exterior sidesthereof, thereby providing access to the items secured thereon.

In another contemplated embodiment, the bag 148 may be constructed sothat the flaps 156, 158 include one or more pockets. As such, the flaps156, 158 may be constructed to hold cosmetics 100, 102 and other itemstherein.

Separately, the bag 148 may be constructed without the flaps 156, 158.In this embodiment, the rectangular case 138 may be closed via the lid176.

As may be apparent from FIGS. 15-18, the rectangular case 138 sharesmany features in common with the case 12, except that the case 138 doesnot incorporate flaps similar to the first flap 26 and the second flap28. As such, many of the features of the case 10 may be employed in thecase 138 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As also should be apparent, the cosmetic organizer 136 includes the bag148, with the flaps 156, 158. This differs from the cosmetic organizer10, where the flaps 26, 28 are hingedly mounted to the top thereof. Thisfeature, among others, distinguishes the cosmetic organizer 136 from thecosmetic organizer 10.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 15-16, the case 138 is removablydisposable within the bag 148. As such, the case 138 may be insertedinto the bag 148 and removed from the bag 148 as required and/or asdesired.

When the flaps 156, 158 of the bag 148 are closed (not shown, butsimilarly to the closed flaps 26, 28 illustrated in FIG. 1) the flaps156, 158 close the top 146 of the case 138. When the flaps 156, 158 areopened, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the contents of the case 138are accessible.

It is contemplated that the flaps 156, 158 are similar to the flaps 26,28. Specifically, it is contemplated that the flaps 156, 158 coverapproximately one half of the top 146 of the case 138 when the flaps156, 158 are in the closed position. As with the flaps 26, 28, however,the flaps 156, 158 may cover disproportionate areas of the openingdefined by the top 146 of the case 138.

With this construction, like the cosmetic organizer 10, the first flap156 forms a first portion of the top side of the case 138 when the case138 is disposed in the bag 148. The second flap 158 forms a secondportion of the top side of the case 138 when the case 138 is disposed inthe bag 148. And, like the cosmetic organizer 10, the first flap 156transitions from a first closed position where access to the storagecompartment 180 is proscribed to a first opened position where access tothe storage compartment 180 is permitted. Similarly, the second flap 158transitions from a second closed position where access to the storagecompartment 180 is proscribed to a second opened position where accessto the storage compartment 180 is permitted.

While only a single storage compartment 180 is illustrated in connectionwith the cosmetic organizer 136, the case 138 may include multiplestorage compartments, just like the case 12 shown and described inconnection with the cosmetic organizer 10.

It is contemplated that the case 138 may be attachable to a stand 124 orto legs 132 once removed from the bag 148. Alternatively, the bag 148may be attachable to a stand 124 or to legs 132, as required and/or asdesired. The stand 124 and/or legs 132 may be stored in one of thestorage compartments in the bag 148.

In this embodiment of the cosmetic organizer 136, the lid 176 iscontemplated to be similar to the lid 92 described in connection withthe cosmetic organizer 10. As such, the lid 176 may include one or moreopenings 94 therein, just as in the example of the lid 92. In fact, thelid 92 may be substituted for the lid 176 without departing from thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a graphical end view of another embodiment of a portablecosmetic organizer 182 according to the present invention. As detailedherein, the cosmetic organizer 182 shares many of the same elements withthe cosmetic organizer 10 and the cosmetic organizer 136 describedabove.

In this embodiment, the cosmetic organizer 182 includes a rectangularcase 184 with a first side 186, a second side 188, a third side 190, afourth side 192, a top side 194, and a bottom side 196. The rectangularcase 184 fits within a bag 198. The case 184 is removable from the bag198 in the direction of the arrows 200, as illustrated in FIG. 20.

In this embodiment, the bag 198 includes a first storage compartment 202and a second storage compartment 204. The first storage compartment 202is separated from the second storage compartment 204 by a divider 206.The bag 198 includes four sides 208, a top side 210 and a bottom side212.

The bag 198 is contemplated to be made from a flexible material, such ascanvas, nylon, woven fabrics, non-woven materials, and the like, asdescribed elsewhere herein. While it is contemplated that the bag 198will be constructed from a flexible material, the bag 198 may be madefrom a rigid and/or semi-rigid material without departing from the scopeof the present invention. Rigid and/or semi-rigid materials include, butare not limited to metals, alloys of metals, plastics, foams, and thelike. In a further contemplated embodiment, the bag 198 may bemanufactured from a combination of flexible, rigid, and/or semi-rigidmaterials without departing from the scope of the invention.

The top side 210 of the bag 198 includes a first flap 214 and a secondflap 216 that are contemplated to connect to one another via a closure218, such as a zipper. In FIG. 19, the flaps 214, 216 are shown in anopened position so that the top side 210 of the bag 198 is open. Theflaps 214, 216 permit access into the first storage compartment 202,which contains at least the case 184.

The second storage compartment 204 is at the bottom of the bag 198. Thesecond compartment 204 also includes a first flap 220 and a second flap222. In FIG. 19, the flaps 220, 222 are shown in a closed position. Theflaps 220, 222 are contemplated to be secured to one another via asuitable closure 224, such as a zipper. The second storage compartment204 is contemplated to be used to store items including, but not limitedto, cosmetics 100, 102, brush holders 68, 70, and the like.

The case 184 is contemplated to be openable at the top side 194. As withthe other embodiments, the case 184 may be closed by a lid 226, whichmay be disposed on and/or removed from the case 184 as indicated by thearrows 228. When the lid 226 is opened, the contents of the case 184 areaccessible through the top side 194 thereof.

The case 184 also includes several shelves. In FIG. 19, five shelves areillustrated, a first shelf 230, a second shelf 232, a third shelf 234, afourth shelf 236, and a fifth shelf 238. The first shelf 230 iscontemplated to extend outwardly through the second side 188 of the case184. The second shelf 232 and the third shelf 234 are positioned so thatthey may extend outwardly from the first side 186 of the case 184. Asillustrated in FIG. 19, the second shelf 232 is positioned above thethird shelf 234. Similarly, the fourth shelf 236 and the fifth shelf 238are positioned so that they may extend outwardly from the third side 190of the case 184. The fourth shelf 236 is disposed above the fifth shelf238. It is noted that the configuration of the shelves 230, 232, 234,236, 238 is merely exemplary of the present invention. Any otherconfiguration and/or arrangement of shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 maybe employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

With continued reference to FIG. 19, it is noted that the case 184 maybe configured so that there is only one shelf that is extendible fromthe first side 186 and from the third side 190 of the case 184. Stillfurther, while not illustrated, it is contemplated that one or moreshelves may be configured to extend outwardly from the second side 188and/or the fourth side 192 of the case 184, as required or as desired.

As should be apparent from FIG. 19, the case 184 defies an interiorcompartment 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior compartment240 appears to be quite small. However, the small size of the interiorcompartment 240 is, at least in part, due to the graphical nature of thedrawings. The case 184 is contemplated to be constructed to provide alarger interior compartment 240 for storing items therein. Itemsinclude, but are not limited to cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68,70.

FIG. 20 is a graphical, end view of the cosmetic organizer 182illustrated in FIG. 19. In this drawing, the case 184 is shown afterhaving been partially removed from the bag 198.

FIGS. 21-23 provide three views of the case 184 after being removed fromthe bag 198.

As with the cosmetic organizer 10 and the cosmetic organizer 136, thecosmetic organizer 182 is contemplated to be configurable to presentseveral securement surfaces to which any number of cosmetics and holdingdevices may be attached. As in the other embodiments, it is contemplatedthat the cosmetic organizer 182 will present several securement surfacesto the user so that cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70, amongother items, may be removably secured thereto. Moreover, as with theother embodiments, the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 maybe repositioned on one or more of the securement surfaces so that theuser may organize the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70thereon.

FIG. 21 is a graphical end view of the case 184 illustrated in FIG. 19.In this view, the first shelf 230 extends outwardly from the first side186 of the case 184. Similarly, the fifth shelf 238 extends outwardlyfrom the third side 190 of the case 184. As should be apparent, thesecond shelf 232 and/or the fourth shelf 236 alternatively may extendfrom the case 184, as required or desired. It is contemplated that theshelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 may each extend a different amount (ordegree) from the case 184 so that each shelf 230, 232, 234, 236, 238furnishes a securement surface with a different area.

It is contemplated that the first shelf 230 is provided with a firstsecurement surface 242, the second shelf 232 is provided with a secondsecurement surface 244, the third shelf 234 is provided with a thirdsecurement surface 246, the fourth shelf 236 is provided with a fourthsecurement surface 248, and the fifth shelf 238 is provided with a fifthsecurement surface 250. The securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250may be incorporated into the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238.Alternatively, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may beapplied or disposed onto the top surfaces of the shelves 230, 232, 234,236, 238.

As discussed hereinabove, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248,250 are contemplated to have a magnetic component so that items may bemovably secured thereon. As also discussed herein, other materials forthe securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be employed. Forexample, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be providedwith one half of a hook and loop fastening material, with the other halfbeing attached to the item to be secured thereon. Still other materialsfor the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be employedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, it is contemplated that one or more of the first side 186,the second side 188, the third side 190, the fourth side 192, or thebottom side 196 of the case may be provided with securement surfaces. Inother words, in addition to the lid 226, the sides 186, 188, 190, 192,196 also may be magnetically attractive or include an alternativesecurement such as hook and loop fasteners. This contemplated embodimentis consistent with the other embodiments of the portable cosmeticorganizer 10, 136 described herein.

As also illustrated in FIG. 21, the lid 226 is provided with a sixthsecurement surface 252. In this view, cosmetics 100, 102 are movablyaffixed to the sixth securement surface 252.

FIG. 22 is a perspective, graphical view of the case 184 illustrated inFIG. 21. As in FIG. 21, the first shelf 230 extends outwardly from thecase 184, together with the second shelf 232 and the fifth shelf 238.The securement surfaces 242, 244, 250 are, thereby, presented to theuser so that items may be removably and movably secured thereon.

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another contemplated embodiment of a case 254that might be insertable into the bag 198. The case 254 differs from thecase 184 in that multiple shelves 256 are provided on the first side 186and on the third side 190. The shelves 256 are contemplated to beprovided with securement surfaces 258 consistent with the remainingembodiments described herein.

FIG. 24 is a graphical top view of the case 254 illustrated in FIG. 23,showing various items movably disposed thereon. In addition, an opening94 is provided in the lid 226, consistent with the discussion providedhereinabove.

As should be apparent, aspects of each of the cosmetic organizers 10,136, 182 and the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 are described with featuresthat are intended to be interchangeable with one another, as should beapparent to those skilled in the art. As a result, the discussion of anyone particular feature with any one particular embodiment should not beunderstood to be limiting of the present invention. Features of oneembodiment may be applied to other embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

It is noted that any of the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 may be attached to astand 124 and/or legs 132, as required or as desired. The stand 124and/or legs 132 are contemplated to be stowable in a compartment withinthe cases 12, 138, 184, 254 or the bags 148, 198 into which the cases12, 138, 184, 254 may be stowed. Similarly, the stand 124 and/or legs132 may attach to the bags 148, 198 without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Furthermore, it is noted that the bags 148, 198may be provided with one or more wheels to facilitate transportation ofthe bags 148, 198 from one location to another when the stand 124 and/orlegs 132 are stowed therein.

It is noted that, when attached to a stand 124, for example, the cases12, 138, 184, 254 are intended to present their respective securementsurfaces to the user so that cosmetics, brush holders, and other itemsare easily accessible to the user during a cosmetic application session.

Concerning the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256, it is contemplatedthat the shelves might be constructed so that they slide out from thecase 184, 254 with items pre-arranged thereon. In such a construction,it is contemplated that the cases 184, 254 might include doors in thesides 186, 188, 190, 192 that may be opened or removed before theshelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256 slide out. For this contemplatedconstruction, the user might be able to arrange the items (such as thecosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70) in advance of a cosmeticapplication session, thereby saving time when initially setting up thecase 184, 254 for use.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, the case 184, 254 may beconfigured to include only one shelf 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256. Ofcourse, as described herein the case 184, 254 is contemplated to includetwo or more shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256. The remainingembodiments also may be configured to include one shelf, two shelves, ormore than two shelves, as required or as desired.

Concerning the lid 226, it is contemplated that the user may pre-arrangeitems onto the interior surface 260 of the lid 226. After the case 184,254 is removed from the bag 198, the lid 226 may be flipped over toorient the interior surface 260 on the exterior side of the case 184,254, thereby positioning the exterior side 262 on the interior side ofthe case 184, 254. With the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70pre-arranged on the interior surface 260 of the lid 226, when the lid226 is flipped over, the cosmetics 100, 102 and other items areaccessible by the user. As should be apparent, the reversible lid 226may be applied to other embodiment of the present invention. In otherwords, the reversibility of the lid 226 is an aspect of the inventionthat is not intended to be limited to the case 184, 254.

Concerning the embodiments of the present invention, various items aredescribed as connecting to one or more securement surfaces via magneticattraction. In some embodiments, magnets are attached to various ones ofthe items so that the items are removably disposable on the securementsurface, which is understood to be made from iron or any other materialwith which a magnet will have an attractive affinity. It is noted,however, that a separate magnet is not needed in cases where the item isprovided with a magnetically-attractive material. To this end, any sideor other surface of any part of the cosmetic organizers described hereinmay be provided with a magnetically-attractive material so that itemsmay be removably attached thereto. And, also as discussed, a magneticattraction is only one contemplated configuration. Hook and loopfasteners may be used, as might other alternative securements known tothose skilled in the art.

The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and those skilledin the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Variationsand equivalents to one or more aspects of the invention may employedwithout departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.Moreover, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the subject matter of the claims. Modifications,variations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of the presentinvention, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art, areintended to fall within the scope of the claims. Also, the scope of theclaims is not intended to be limited by the embodiments set forthherein. Instead, the scope of the claims is intended to be given thebroadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable cosmetic organizer, comprising: a casecomprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, atop side, and a bottom side; a first storage compartment inside of thecase; a first flap forming a first portion of the top side of the case;and a second flap forming a second portion of the top side of the case;wherein the first flap has a first interior surface and a first exteriorsurface, wherein the second flap has a second interior surface and asecond exterior surface, wherein the first interior surface defines afirst securement surface, wherein the second interior surface defines asecond securement surface, wherein the first flap transitions from afirst closed position where access to the first storage compartment isproscribed to a first opened position where access to the first storagecompartment is permitted, wherein the second flap transitions from asecond closed position where access to the first storage compartment isproscribed to a second opened position where access to the first storagecompartment is permitted, and wherein the first securement surface andthe second securement surface permit removable attachment of itemsthereon.
 2. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second storage compartment positioned within the case,below the first storage compartment, wherein the second storagecompartment is accessible via an opening in at least one of the firstside, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.
 3. Theportable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, wherein: the first securementsurface and the second securement surface comprise a magneticallyattractive material.
 4. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1,wherein: the first securement surface and the second securement surfacecomprise a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.
 5. Theportable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefollowing conditions are satisfied: the first side comprises a thirdsecurement surface, the second side comprises a fourth securementsurface, the third side comprises a fifth securement surface, or thefourth side comprises a sixth securement surface.
 6. The portablecosmetic organizer of claim 5, further comprising: at least one shelfattachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourthsecurement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixthsecurement surface.
 7. The portable organizer of claim 5, furthercomprising: a brush holder attachable to at least one of the thirdsecurement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securementsurface, and the sixth securement surface.
 8. The portable organizer ofclaim 5, further comprising: a box attachable to at least one of thethird securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifthsecurement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
 9. The portableorganizer of claim 5, further comprising: a mesh bag attachable to atleast one of the third securement surface, the fourth securementsurface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.10. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising: a shoulderstrap attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, thefourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixthsecurement surface.
 11. The portable organizer of claim 1, furthercomprising: a handle attachable to at least one of the third securementsurface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface,and the sixth securement surface.
 12. The portable organizer of claim 1,further comprising: a lid placeable into a top opening of the case whenthe first flap is in the first opened position and the second flap is inthe second opened position.
 13. The portable organizer of claim 1,further comprising a stand.
 14. The portable organizer of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of retractable legs.
 15. A portablecosmetic organizer, comprising: a bag defining a first bag compartmentand a second bag compartment separated from one another by a divider,wherein the first bag compartment is at a top of the bag and the secondbag compartment is at the bottom of the bag; first and second flaps atthe top of the bag permitting access to the first bag compartment whenthe first and second flaps are in an opened position; third and fourthflaps at the bottom of the bag permitting access to the second bagcompartment when the third and fourth flaps are in an opened position; acase comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourthside, a top side, and a bottom side; a first storage compartment insideof the case; a first shelf slidably disposed in the first storagecompartment, wherein the first shelf slides through the first side ofthe case to extend outwardly from the first side, exteriorly to thecase; and a first securement surface provided on the first shelf,permitting removable attachment of items thereon.
 16. The portableorganizer of claim 15, further comprising: a lid placeable into a topopening on the top side of the case.
 17. The portable cosmetic organizerof claim 15, wherein: the first securement surface comprises amagnetically attractive material.
 18. The portable cosmetic organizer ofclaim 15, wherein: the first securement surface comprises a first halfof a hook and loop fastener material.
 19. The portable cosmeticorganizer of claim 15, further comprising: a plurality of shelvesslidably disposed in the first storage compartment, wherein theplurality of shelves slides through the sides of the case to extendoutwardly from the sides, exteriorly to the case.
 20. The portableorganizer of claim 15, further comprising a stand.